Fit on the Fly presentation works to keep Hilltop kids healthy

SOMERSWORTH — Tami Provost of Rochester encouraged Somersworth Middle School students to take simple steps toward a more healthy lifestyle at an assembly Friday morning.

Provost, a certified personal trainer, is the developer of Fit on the Fly, a national wellness program praised by First Lady Michelle Obama. The program promotes habits Provost used to become fit after struggling with her weight and self esteem issues since childhood: eating breakfast, drinking water, “shaking off sugar,” sleeping smart and moving more.

In her presentation, Provost made being healthy as easy as possible for students. She told them they don’t need to worry about eating the perfect breakfast, it’s just important that they have something. She encouraged students to drink from the water fountain whenever they pass by and to move as much as they can each day, even if it’s just for ten minutes.

“Our body is amazing,” she said. “We have 75 trillion cells in our body, but only 100 are in our taste buds. I used to let those 100 cells control the rest of my 75 million.”

Diane Sedler, teacher of Family Consumer Science, organized the assembly. She saw an article in the newspaper about Provost’s program and contacted her to come speak.

Sedler teaches students how to make healthy meals during her classes, which all students attend for a portion of the year. She encourages them to eat healthy and shows them substitutes for recipes. Students do make cookies in her class, however, Sedler makes sure to show them how much sugar goes into the food.

“This isn’t just about combating obesity,” Sedler said. “You can be really unhealthy but still be thin.”

Cara Green, food services director for Somersworth, said that Somersworth Middle School has always had whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This year, they’re working on their snack program and involving students in the process. Students have participating in snack tastings and will name the snack bar, which opens Feb. 4.

“You can’t just cram eating healthy down their throats,” Sedler said. “You have to let them be apart of the process. You’ve got to get them involved in the choices.”

Along with the presentation, which was filled with fun facts and videos featuring celebrities, the 435 students received free yogurt cups supplied by Chobani at lunch and each classroom received posters with the five steps.

Chris Faro, district manager for Cafe Services, which provides the food services for Somersworth as well as other area school districts, attended the program and is looking to implement it in his other districts. Provost’s workshops are free to every school in the state.

“I’m really looking forward to working to keep the program going and instilled as a culture, through physical education and nutrition as well as our offerings,” Faro said.

More information about Fit on the Fly can be found at www.FitOnTheFly.net.